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Payroll Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Accountant

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$65K - $75K/yr

Process semi-monthly payroll for a multi-state workforce * Administer payroll tax compliance and reporting * Reconcile payroll accounts, benefits, and related liabilities * Coordinate onboarding ...

Payroll Accountant

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$65K - $75K/yr

Process semi-monthly payroll for a multi-state workforce * Administer payroll tax compliance and reporting * Reconcile payroll accounts, benefits, and related liabilities * Coordinate onboarding ...

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for a critical business process that impacts all team members. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for overseeing and executing end-to-end payroll processing ...

Payroll Specialist

Carlsbad, CA

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

This person will be responsible for processing weekly payroll, entering and maintaining time cards, assisting with HR duties and compliance and working with employees with any payroll needs. The ...

Payroll Supervisor

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$100K - $108K/yr

This role will oversee end-to-end payroll processing for a rapidly growing employee base, with a focus on building efficient processes, ensuring compliance across multiple states, and leading a high ...

Payroll Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Own and process full-cycle, in-house payroll (weekly/biweekly), ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance * Maintain and apply federal, state, and local payroll laws, including California wage ...

Own and process full-cycle, in-house payroll (weekly/biweekly), ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance * Maintain and apply federal, state, and local payroll laws, including California wage ...

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and supporting payroll-related initiatives across the ...

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and supporting payroll-related initiatives across the ...

$28 - $30/hr

Process additional payrolls as authorized by the Director of Human Resources. * Provide an annual schedule of timecard submission deadlines to all staff. Payroll Reporting * Maintain confidentiality ...

Payroll Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Oversee payroll processing, Workday payroll and system administration, payroll audits, compliance, reporting, payroll accounting coordination, and payroll process improvements while ensuring accurate ...

Payroll Specialist

Red Bluff, CA

$23.75 - $32.50/hr

This role processes payroll for approximately 400 employees and works closely with the Payroll Manager, HR team, and Finance team to ensure accuracy and compliance across all entities Payroll ...

Payroll Supervisor

Roseville, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

This role oversees end-to-end payroll processing, supports compliance across multiple states, and helps maintain reliable payroll records and reporting. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership ...

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and supporting payroll-related initiatives across the ...

Manage end-to-end payroll processing * Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations * Review payroll reconciliations and reporting * Address payroll inquiries and discrepancies * Partner with HR ...

Payroll Specialist

Glendale, CA · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

Responsibilities: • Execute end-to-end payroll processing for employees using a legacy human resources and payroll platform. • Examine payroll records, confirm data accuracy, and prepare ...

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and supporting payroll-related initiatives across the ...

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Payroll Analyst

Pico Rivera, CA · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Process weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payroll accurately and on schedule using Dayforce • Review and audit timecards, pay codes, PTO, and sick time to ensure data ...

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Payroll Processing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do payroll processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll processing in California is $24.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will payroll be replaced by AI?

Payroll processing jobs involve managing employee compensation, taxes, and compliance, which are increasingly supported by AI and automation tools. While AI can handle routine tasks like data entry and calculations, human oversight remains essential for complex issues, audits, and decision-making. Payroll professionals need to adapt by developing skills in technology and compliance to stay relevant.

What is the highest paying payroll job?

The highest paying payroll-related roles are often senior positions such as Payroll Director or Payroll Manager, especially in large organizations or corporations. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with payroll software and compliance regulations, and they can offer salaries exceeding six figures annually.

What is payroll processing?

Payroll processing is the administrative task of calculating and distributing employee wages, salaries, bonuses, and deductions for a specific pay period. This process involves gathering employee work hours, calculating gross pay, deducting taxes and benefits, and issuing paychecks or direct deposits. Payroll processing also ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding wage payments and recordkeeping. Accurate payroll processing is crucial for maintaining employee satisfaction and avoiding legal penalties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Processor, you need strong attention to detail, proficiency in mathematics, and a solid understanding of payroll regulations, typically supported by a degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP or Paychex, as well as knowledge of timekeeping and HRIS systems, is often required. Excellent organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication help manage sensitive information and resolve employee inquiries efficiently. These abilities are crucial for ensuring timely, accurate payroll processing and maintaining compliance with legal and organizational standards.

What is the role of payroll processing?

Payroll processing involves calculating employee wages, deducting taxes and other withholdings, and distributing payments accurately and on time. It also includes maintaining records, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and managing related reporting tasks, often using payroll software or systems. Accurate payroll processing is essential for employee satisfaction and legal compliance.

What are some common challenges faced in payroll processing, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the most common challenges in payroll processing is ensuring accuracy and compliance with changing tax regulations and labor laws. Payroll professionals must regularly update their knowledge and systems to reflect these changes and minimize errors. Effective communication with HR and finance departments is also essential to resolve discrepancies and gather the necessary data for timely payroll runs. Utilizing reliable payroll software and maintaining thorough documentation can help manage these challenges and support a smooth payroll cycle.
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Processing jobs in California? The most popular types of Payroll Processing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Payroll Processing jobs? Cities in California with the most Payroll Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Payroll Processing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,400 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Payroll Accountant

LHH US

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

LHH Recruitment Solutions is partnering with a growing organization to hire a Payroll Accountant who will serve as the primary owner of payroll while supporting accounting and finance operations.
This role is ideal for a payroll professional who enjoys working beyond basic payroll processing and wants to be involved in reconciliations, benefits accounting, incentive calculations, and special projects. This position offers visibility across the organization and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Why You'll Love This Opportunity
  • High-visibility role reporting directly to accounting leadership
  • Opportunity to own the payroll function while supporting accounting initiatives
  • Collaborative leadership team committed to employee development
  • Hybrid work flexibility after onboarding and training
  • Strong company culture built around accountability and recognition
  • Exposure to multi-state payroll, benefits accounting, and incentive compensation programs
Responsibilities
  • Process semi-monthly payroll for a multi-state workforce
  • Administer payroll tax compliance and reporting
  • Reconcile payroll accounts, benefits, and related liabilities
  • Coordinate onboarding, offboarding, and final payroll processing
  • Support incentive and commission calculations
  • Maintain payroll records and internal controls
  • Assist with month-end close and journal entries
  • Partner with HR and accounting teams on payroll-related projects
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of payroll experience
  • Experience supporting organizations with 75+ employees
  • Knowledge of payroll taxes and multi-state payroll processing
  • Strong reconciliation and accounting skills
  • Experience with payroll systems and ERP/accounting software
  • Advanced Excel skills preferred
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401k+ match
  • Paid holidays
  • Vacation
  • Hybrid work environment
Pay Details: $65,000.00 to $75,000.00 per year
Search managed by: Erin Kile
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.